Helena Around the World: Ha Long Bay: The Descending Dragon Bay

During our backpacking trip in Vietnam we went to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It 's a spectacular and unique seascape of limestone pillars. Legend says that the islands along this bay were formed by a dragon that spat jewels across the water.
It's located 165 kms away from Hanoi (transportation provided by the boat tour operator).

On board

This trip involved detailed research.
There are thousands of boat tours operating in this area. And we read many stories of disappointment due to poorly maintained boats, terrible food and crappy daily programs. So we decided to book a tour with one of the top operators at that time, Treasure Junk. Instead of staying a couple of nights, we stayed just one to make it more affordable.

Our boat, Treasure Junk

Our cabin at Treasure Junk

We don't regret our decision. Sometimes less equals more.
Our boat was great. And that simple fact made our stay even more pleasant.

We got a cozy and comfy cabin with all the amenities.

Limestone rocks

Enjoying the views

The staff was very polite and they did their best to keep us busy.
The program was very entertaining. We didn't feel bored anytime during our trip.

We kayaked along the bay towards a small beach with no access by land. Unfortunately it was filled with garbage. The increasing number of boats in this area and pollution in the areas around is creating a serious environmental issue. Rivers and lakes are bringing garbage from all over to the bay.

Kayaking in Ha Long Bay

Garbage all over

We also had a Vietnamese cooking class. The chef tried to teach us how to sculpt carrots and tomatoes. It was more fun than educative. We had such a good time.

Meals were served in a covered area, in small tables giving guests some privacy, in a relaxed atmosphere.
Food was delicious and abundant.
At late afternoon everyone went to the deck to enjoy the views, chat with the other passengers and have a couple of drinks.

Pearl Farm Village with tourists from other boat tours

On our last day they took us to a tour along the Pearl farm village. It's where all the tours end up. It feels more like a touristic attraction than an authentic village.

I bet tourist tours are the main source of income.

The boat rowers were all female. While they are rowing they also catch garbage with a small net.

They took us for a long ride along the village. The surroundings are stunning.

In the end they took us to the shop where they showed us the oyster cultures and how they extract the pearls.